Volunteers helping out during the 2010 soccer World Cup would be screened rigorously to prevent crime coming into South Africa, Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile said on Friday.

"In terms of the recruitment of volunteers for the 2010 Fifa world Cup, only those African youth that are disciplined, as shall have been proven by the rigorous screening process, will qualify for registration as volunteers," Makhenkesi said.

The rigorous screening test, to be conducted on everyone including people from other African countries, is to prevent bringing crime into South Africa, he said.

In a meeting with sports ministers from African countries in Algeria where the All African Games are being held, Makhenkesi called upon all Africans to start believing in Africa's capability and expertise to host the 2010 World Cup.
Africans also needed to co-operate with each other as well as with other relevant authorities, on crime prevention efforts ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, British football fans are most likely to base themselves in Cape Town, with the second most popular choice of destination being where the supporters' national football teams are based for the duration of the competition.


Whilst fans are based in South Africa for the tournament they're keen to make the most of the opportunity of being in the country. The most popular destinations for supporters during the tournament are the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. British fans are also keen to make the most of both wine and cultural tours during their stay with Robben Island and Table Mountain being popular places to visit. The lure of the golf courses and a round or two of golf in South Africa also ranked high in our research.The biggest obstacles preventing fans from attending the event is the cost of travel to South Africa and work commitments.

SADC tourism stakeholders have resolved to come up with an intra-regional tourism package that will make tourism in Southern Africa stand out from its competitors ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The resolutions were made at a recent 2010 World Cup tourism workshop in Harare.

Representatives from the Southern African tourism boards urged stakeholders to be realistic in their preparations for the 2010 soccer showcase and come up with strategies on how it is going to present itself to the rest of the world before, during and after the 2010 soccer world cup.

Zimbabwe, one of the Sadc member states whose tourism boards proposed and agreed to be part of the Sadc Intra-Regional Tourism Packaging, believes this move will not benefit South Africa alone but the whole region and the African continent.

The Sadc region has abundant tourism facilities to cater for multitudes of fans that will throng Africa in 2010.

This initiative was long overdue according to some key tourism stakeholders who attended the 2010 World Cup Tourism Workshop held in Harare recently.

The 2010 Fifa World Cup, the first on African soil is going to be a momentous event for Africa and one that will leave a lasting legacy beyond 2010.

Intra-regional tourism packaging is the joint marketing campaigns by tourism authorities in a region to promote a product -- and in this case -- Sadc tourism authorities will embark on a joint marketing strategy to come up with one package for the whole of Southern Africa.

This drive will see more integration of Sadc tourism, trade and economic development plans via regional and sub-regional co-operation, giving major impetus to regional travel and tourism. It indeed augurs well for Sadc's future tourism and economic growth.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zambia Tourism Board and the Limpopo Tourism Board all agreed that they would work together in marketing the region before, during and after the world cup in 2010.

Travel, transportation, communication and world acclaimed tourist destinations such as the Majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Indigo Bay in Mozambique and Robin Island in South Africa figured highly on the list of destinations to visit in the Southern Africa tourism package for the world cup in 2010.

Building of infrastructure and telecommunication links within the region and allowing the free movements of people within the region (the relaxation of visa requirements) need to be put in place for the growth of travel. Moreso, business travel which, in most cases is usually followed by leisure travel.

Zambia Tourism Board is of the belief that people who are going to come for the world cup are a different clientele from our usual tourists so the region needs to come up with new products to attract this new clientele coming in 2010.

Southern Africa has identified many areas for the development of transfrontier parks for free movement of animals into other countries and creating an (all in one) mega national park like the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park comprising Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.

Three countries agreed that the Sub-Saharan region has not been highly exposed and exploited so this was the chance to be on the map and make natural links within the region, for example, having Victoria Falls on every tourism package in each of the countries in the region.

There is a low-level awareness of what the region offers in terms of tourism hence the need for intra-regional links in cultural, arts and other products that attract visitors.

Limpopo Tourism Board said the region lacks unified tourism routes and linkages of major attractions and that packages only promote and market products as individual destinations.

A rigid cross-border travel formality is another issue South Africa is working on to allow free movement of both regional and international tourists.

Indeed, working through regional and sub-regional groupings is more convenient and efficient.

People from many neighbouring countries speak common languages, share common cultures and traditions.

They have their differences, but can usually work them out, barring major international disputes.

The Pacific Asia economic development bloc has been one of the leading regions in promoting travel and tourism, and has set a precedent as one of the leading tourism growing regions in the world in the past 10 years. Tourism is one of the most important sectors in a large number of Asia Pacific countries.

Increases in economic growth, disposable income and leisure time, and aggressive tourism campaigns -- among other factors -- have fuelled the significant growth of tourism.

TRANSPORT

A fast, comfortable and low cost urban transport system, called the "Bus Rapid Transit" (BRT) system, is being planned for the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Integrated Transport Plan for host cities' Cape Town, Tshwane, Durban, and Bloemfontein among several others will include a BRT transport system which will promote the use of public transport ahead of the 2010 soccer spectacle.

Revealing their plans on Thursday at the Southern African Transport Conference in Pretoria Thursday, the cities indicated that the BRT would be made available not only for the central business districts but also in townships.

The BRT has been described as a high quality, customer oriented transport system which will deliver fast, comfortable, and low cost urban mobility.

It involves the construction of "bus way corridors" on segregated lanes and modernised technology.

As one of the host cities, the City of Tshwane has proposing the establishment of Transport Authority, indicating the need for an institutional structure to integrate transport. An emphasis has been placed on the need for the BRT.

The application to establish the Tshwane Transport Authority has already been handed to the Gauteng Transport MEC, Ignatius Jacobs.

Referring to the BRT, Dennis Baloyi of the City of Tshwane said: "as part of the city's build up to the much anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup, there is a need for a high quality, customer oriented public transport system which is fast, comfortable and offers low-cost mobility.

"The BRT will service people from Soshanguve, GaRankuwa (north of Pretoria) as well as Mamelodi (east of Pretoria) ensuring that everyone enjoys the transport legacy the 2010 world cup will leave in its wake ," he said.

This bus system will also have routes leading to the training and main stadiums.

Mr Baloyi said the Wonderboom Airport, a private airport, will assist the City in handling 10 percent of visitors of the total expected visitors.

Yolisa Mashilwane, from the City of Johannesburg told delegates that currently the use of public transport stood at 47 percent compared to the private mode which is at 53 percent.

"One of the main interventions in the Integrated Transport Plan is the Strategic Public Transport Network and the move to gear up to a full Bus Rapid Transit," she said.

"BRT is central to the 2010 plan," she added.

Ms Mashilwane said there were also plans for major freeways such as the N17, which connects the Johannesburg CBD with the southern areas of the city, to be upgraded to allow for easier access to soccer city stadium - where the opening and closing matches will be played.

The transport upgrade will provide for parking, pedestrian bridges and walkways, hawker facilities and clear signage and improvement of interchanges.

Transport is viewed as the primary legacy for South Africa to change the current status quo.

Donald Cupido of the City of Cape Town said the semi-final hosting city had a target of achieving a 50/50 split in the use of public and private transport by 2010.

"We also hope to increase the use of public transport to 53 percent by 2015 and by 57 percent by 2010," he said.

The city is also focusing on the rapid rail network to achieve its goals. Major upgrades in its freeways, namely the N1 and N2 are also taking place to ensure a sustainable long term integrated public transport system.

Speaking on behalf of Port Elizabeth, Dalene Campbell said: "The BRT will form the base of the future public transport system up to 2020."

Like many other cities, the city will increase their CCTV surveillances and traffic signs in response to travel demand management.

The upgrading of South Africa's major transport infrastructure including the rail network, airports and the Gautrain project, are on track to be completed in time to contribute to a hassle-free transport system for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The upgraded transport systems will be ready to cater for the expected influx of international soccer enthusiasts to the country's shores, delegates at the Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) heard on Thursday.


The event was attended by Goran Vracar of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Chris Brits of the Gautrain project and Dries van der Walt of the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC).

The SATC brought together experts in the transport field to share ideas on matters pertaining to transport, with a focus on the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Addressing delegates during a symposium on "Transportation and 2010 Soccer World Cup", Mr Vracar emphasised the importance of airports as an integral part of the transportation system and economic growth.

He gave an update on the progress of infrastructure at various airports to accommodate increased traffic during the soccer tournament.

ACSA is committed to providing adequate capacity for traffic during the event and that construction would be complete come the tournament, said Mr Vracar.

"We want to provide adequate capacity for traffic and construction-free airports during the event. And these developments should be sustainable," he told the gathering.

ACSA is also introducing new generation large aircraft to deal with increasing traffic volumes.

Major developments are taking place at the OR Tambo International Airport, including the expansion of the central terminal building, multi-storey parking, a bus station, an apron, extended retail mall and pier and link corridor, to the value of over R3 billion.

Developments at the Cape Town International Airport include the upgrading of the central terminal building (R1 billion) and a multi-storey parking to the tune of R394 million.

The capacity of the Durban International Airport is being increased from 4.2 million passengers per annum to 7.5 million by 2010.

Work is also being done to improve other national airports and a new airport is being built at La Mercy in KwaZulu-Natal costing R5.7 billion.

The Gautrain project is also on course for completion and will contribute to an efficient transport system in 2010 and beyond.

One section of the project linking the OR Tambo International Airport, Sandton and Midrand will be ready on 1 June 2010 in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The other sections will be competed afterwards.

Chris Britz of the Gautrain project explained to delegates that while reducing congestion, it would stimulate economic growth and contribute to job creation.

"The integration of the Gautrain into the public transport system will stretch the potential market through enhanced access.

"It will enable the Gautrain to be a catalyst for the transformation and restructuring of the total transport system," emphasised Mr Britz.

Mr van der Walt of the SARCC explained that rail transport would be important during the 2010 FIFA World Cup especially as most of the visitors who would attend the event were used to rail transport in their countries.

"These people are used to public transport in their countries. Their trains look and feel good while our rail operations are facing problems everyday," he said, adding that "expectations for rail transport will be high" during the tournament.

The SARCC is also seeking to implement a turnaround strategy to put rail on a recovery path towards sustainable growth, while locating role as an important part of the public transport system.

As part of the turnaround strategy and in preparations for the 2010 tournament, the SARCC will use the Public Transport Infrastructure and Systems (PTIS) grant to implement its programmes.

"Our turnaround plan focuses mainly around 2010 and it involves the PTIS grant, increasing our rolling by 2 000 coaches by 2010 and ensuring that our regional operational plans are aligned to host city requirements," explained Mr van der Walt.

He also highlighted rail safety as another priority for the SARCC, saying the re-introduction of railway police was important.

A total of 24 contact and reaction points will be set up countrywide, with each having 130 constables and 21 vehicles.

TRANSPORT FOR WORLD CUP COMES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Transport preparations for thFIFA World Cup South Africa are under the spotlight at the Southern African Transport Conference (SATC).

The SATC, currently underway at the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, has brought together experts in the transport field to share ideas on matters pertaining to transport, particularly with regard to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.


Delegates heard during the session on "Transportation and 2010 Soccer World Cup" Thursday that most of the preparations relating to transport for the tournament were well underway and that progress was on schedule.

Those projects still in the planning phase will be implemented as soon as possible to meet the set deadlines.

Presentations were made around the South African Local Organising Committee's (LOC's) vision for the 2010 FIFA World Cup; the Role and Progress of the Department of Transport; the South African Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) Inputs and Projects and Security and transport during the tournament.

The need for partnerships for the implementation of plans emerged to be an important aspect in all presentations.

Skhumbuzo Macozoma, a member of the LOC, explained that the body's vision was for the tournament to strengthen the South African and African image; to promote new partnerships with the world.

"Our vision will inspire us and drive our collective determination to be significant global players in all fields of human endeavour. This is more than just sport - it's about developing our country," he said.

He explained that social legacy was an important pillar for the South African tournament, among the business of sport; teams/building fan base and competition/infrastructure pillars.

"Historically, the World Cup has been about sport but coming to South Africa the priority is on social legacy - and as a result FIFA added legacy as the fourth pillar of the tournament.

"We will therefore have to make sure we deliver the legacy. It is up to us to ensure transport is the main legacy of the tournament," said Mr Macozoma.

The LOC's transport strategy aims to provide a high quality transport service and system and to ensure that a public transport legacy is provided for South Africa.

The LOC is also committed to ensuring that in the procurement of services, it promotes Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment.

Lusanda Madikizela, a member of the 2010 Transport Project Coordination Unit from the national Department of Transport explained that in providing funding for projects, the department, through its Public Transport Infrastructure and Systems Grant, among others required that projects should prioritise public transport; satisfy both long-term and event-specific mobility requirements and the continuity from planning to execution.

The department also requires that projects be executed in accordance to government procurement and related requirements and be based on local Integrated Development Plans and Integrated Transport Plans.

The Chief Executive Officer of SANRAL Nazir Alli outlined a number of projects his agency was involved in to ensure adequate roads ahead of 2010 and beyond.

These include road improvements and construction around World Cup venues in host cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Rustenburg, Mangaung, Polokwane, Mbombela, Durban and Nelson Mandela Metro.

Mr Alli also emphasised the importance of partnerships to deliver adequate transport for the delivery of a successful soccer tournament in 2010.

Regarding safety issues, Frans Gibson of the South African Police Services explained that inputs were still being made to the security plan around the World Cup.

However, he explained that improved safety measures involving all security agencies would be put in place at points of entry, on the roads, in tourist attractions and in places of accommodation.

"We will maximise the all existing infrastructure and services to ensure security during the tournament," he explained.

A member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport, Thabiseng Khunou, also addressed the meeting.

Ms Khunou explained that the 2010 FIFA World Cup was important to the entire country.

"We owe it to all South Africans to make it a success, to the ordinary man and woman in the street and to the whole country. If we all contribute it will be a success," she emphasised.

She stressed that the time for planning had passed and that it was now time for the implementation of these plans.

"Cabinet has identified transport as the primary legacy for the tournament, therefore effective funding for infrastructure is important. Implementation should also happen in the months to follow, we need to see implementation on the ground," she said.